Independent travel expert Frank Brehany told Express.co.uk: "Whilst events in recent weeks have given cause for concern, the World Health Organisation has advised that ‘there is a very low risk’ for International Travellers to the Seychelles.

"WHO reports a low risk for travellers to Madagascar. For both destinations they call for information to be provided to holidaymakers so that they can manage any risk.

“There are however travel restrictions imposed by the Seychelles, one being a ban on foreign travellers coming from Madagascar.”

7.29pm GMT: British Government’s statement on the plague

The UK Government has urged Brits in Madagascar to be aware of the dangers of the Black Death plague, without going so far as discouraging travel to the island.

A statement read: “There is currently an outbreak of pneumonic and bubonic plague in Madagascar; outbreaks of plague tend to be seasonal and occur mainly during the rainy season, with around 500 cases reported annually.

“Whilst outbreaks are not uncommon in rural areas, the latest outbreak has seen an increase in reported cases in urban areas, including Antananarivo.”

The ancient Madagascan ceremony of ‘famadihana', or turning of the bones, has been linked to the spread of the plague.

Famadihana involves digging up the corpses of deceased loved-ones before rewrapping their bodies and dancing with them in the streets.

The ceremonies takes place in Madagascar between July and October, and health officials say that it is no coincidence that the practice coincides with the outbreak of the plague.

Willy Randriamarotia, Madagascar’s health ministry chief of staff, said: “If a person dies of pneumonic plague and is then interred in a tomb that is subsequently opened for the ritual, the bacteria can still be transmitted and contaminate whoever handles the body.”

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Black Death news: WHO has warned that the plague could spread to other countries

3.28pm GMT: Black Death could spread, warn scientists

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued health warnings for the nine nations that are most as risk of suffering a Black Death outbreak.

WHO officials have said the chance of the epidemic spreading is “high”, and are now working tirelessly to predict the next epidemic.

Countries in the disease’s possible path include South Africa, Kenya and British holiday hotspot The Seychelles.